Poland's defense minister has called on Ukraine to reconsider its decision regarding the unit named after the Heroes of the UPA
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has called on the Ukrainian authorities to reconsider their decision to award one of its military units the honorary title “Named After the Heroes of the UPA.” The Polish official stated that this decision has caused concern and protest in Poland, despite Poland’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.
Kosiniak-Kamysz recalled that Poland has provided Ukraine with military, humanitarian, and political assistance since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, as Ukraine’s security is directly linked to the security of Poland and all of Central and Eastern Europe.
At the same time, he emphasized that the decision to honor the UPA has been painful for Polish society.
“Because we know that a free Ukraine also means security for Poland and our entire part of Europe. But that is precisely why I must say clearly: the decision to name a Ukrainian military unit after the heroes of the UPA causes deep pain, concern, and protest in Poland,” the minister stated.
The head of the Polish Ministry of Defense noted that he understands the attitude of many Ukrainians toward the UPA as a symbol of the struggle against the Soviet regime and the quest for independence.
However, he said, for the Polish side, the UPA is associated first and foremost with the tragic events of the Volhynia tragedy and the deaths of Polish civilians.
“In Poland, the UPA is a symbol of crimes committed against defenseless civilians. This pain cannot be erased,” Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized.
At the same time, he stressed that he does not hold the entire Ukrainian people responsible for these events and specifically mentioned the Ukrainians who saved Poles during the tragedy.
The Polish Minister of Defense expressed his conviction that today Ukraine has its own modern heroes who are defending the country from Russian aggression and deserve special honor.
According to him, it is the feat of today’s Ukrainian military that will become part of history and does not require symbols that could cause disputes among allies.
“Their courage will go down in history. They do not need patrons who divide allies. Poland’s assistance to Ukraine does not mean that Poland has forgotten Volhynia. We have the right to expect that Ukraine will respect Polish memory,” the Polish official noted.
Kosiniak-Kamysz called on the Ukrainian authorities to find another way to honor the soldiers that would not offend the memory of Polish victims of historical events.
“This is not about humiliating Ukraine. It is about demonstrating maturity, responsibility, and respect for a nation that supported Ukraine in its darkest hour,” the minister concluded.
At the same time, he emphasized that Poland will continue to support Ukraine in its confrontation with Russian aggression, but stressed the importance of historical dialogue and mutual respect between the two countries.
The minister’s video message was published on the official websites of the Polish Ministry of Defense.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced private consultations with Ukraine regarding the possible naming of one of the Special Operations Forces units “Heroes of the UPA.” According to him, this issue is being discussed in a diplomatic format.
Warsaw has reacted to the decision to rename the Ukrainian military unit. This concerns an elite unit of the Special Operations Forces, which, according to reports, was named in honor of the Heroes of the UPA. This has sparked a critical reaction in Polish society and political circles.
